After decade of overcoming obstacles, Tongan student ready to graduate from IT course

After a decade of struggle and determination, Tongan student Donald (Nolo) Heimuli will graduate with a Bachelor of Information Technology in June from Whitireia and WelTec.

Heimuli originally enrolled in IT with Whitireia via Tupou Tertiary Institute, where students in Tonga could start the programme locally and complete their final year in New Zealand.

Unfortunately, in 2013, due to financial circumstances, he was unable to travel to New Zealand to finish his bachelor’s degree.

Instead, he trained at the Tonga Rugby Union to qualify as a coach and become a Development Officer for junior rugby working with young players.

Six years later he felt it was time to complete his studies and was encouraged by Whitireia and WelTec to return to his study.

He was supported by his family in Tonga and lived with relatives in New Zealand during his studies. During the holidays he picked fruit in Gisborne to contribute to study costs and was awarded funding through Pacific Health Plus.

 Last summer, Heimuli was a successful recipient of a TupuToa internship and gained experience at an insurance company assisting the information security team for 12 weeks. His internship was extended because of the quality of his work.

As part of his studies, he completed several practical assignments. His final project was a complete digitalisation of the New Zealand Amateur Rock ‘n’ Roll Association (NZARRA), which had previously been paper based.

“I give thanks to God Almighty for the blessings that He has bestowed upon me and has led me through difficulties to achieve this great achievement,” Heimuli said.

“I have had wonderful support from the amazing teachers at Whitireia and WelTec  as well as my kāinga and friends who helped me get to this point.

“Mālō ‘Aupito. Now, I need to secure a good job in IT so I can return the support to those who have helped me, and maybe there is someone else from Tonga who would like to follow in my footsteps – that I can help.”

Picture captions:

Donald (Nolo) Heimuli

Heimuli with other Tongan students during Tongan language week